Improperly named because of the fame of a similar device in Back to the Future, hoverboards have quickly gained popularity since they were introduced to the general public last summer. Even as the devices flew off the shelves during the 2015 winter holiday season, the California legislature was working on a bill to regulate the use of electrically motorized boards.

Of course, each Los Angeles accident lawyer at our firm continues to pay close attention to battery malfunctions in some makes and models that are causing injuries. However, even ignoring those failures, we support the legislation because the overall concept of putting a motor on a skateboard is potentially dangerous to riders and anyone they encounter on the streets.

New Hoverboard Regulations Went Into Effect As of January 1st

Even as bicyclists do not need licenses to ride in California, they are still subject to certain rules that help keep them and other individuals safe. As of the first of the year, new regulations went into effect that subject users of electrically motorized boards to a similar set of rules. Perhaps the most notable regulations are as follows:

• Operation is limited to individuals age 16 and older, and helmets are required.
• Boards cannot be used after dark without appropriate lights and reflectors, which are described in detail within the law's text.
• Boards cannot be ridden on roads with speed limits of more than 35 mph, and board speed must be reasonable based on conditions, while never more than 15 mph.
• Operation while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited; however, blood alcohol testing can only (and must be) performed when requested by the arrested individual.
• Local authorities can set forth additional regulations pertaining to highways, sidewalks or roadways.

Increased Sales Have Already Translated Into Increased Injury Reports

Just days after the holiday, the federal government started investigating 22 reports of hoverboard fires, but those reports do not even compare with the 70 reports of emergency room visits during the same period. In nearly all cases, those visits pertained to injuries caused by falls or collisions. Even worse is the indication that riders are already engaging in distracted riding, based on one report of a rider who was listening to music and another who was taking selfies while riding.

The new law provides some important protections against hoverboard injuries. However, individuals who sustain injuries from hoverboard riders need to understand that they have a right to pursue appropriate compensation for any injuries caused by negligent acts — even if no specific law expressly prohibits those acts. Before assuming that expenses related to these injuries need to be paid out-of-pocket, call The Rudman Law Firm APC at 844-478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office at 213-375-3777 or at our Studio City office 818-769-6969.